RMIT University

Overview:

• Full-time, Continuing position
• HEW 9 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working

Shape the future of health and biomedical innovation through high-impact research partnerships

RMIT University is seeking a strategic, experienced, and industry-connected Manager, Research Partnerships to lead and support collaborative research initiatives that deliver real-world impact—with a focus in health innovation and biomedical technologies. This pivotal role operates at the intersection of research excellence and external engagement, contributing to RMIT’s strategic agenda for translational research and innovation-led growth.

About the Role

As Manager, Research Partnerships, you will work across industry, government, and the research innovation ecosystem to initiate, build, and grow high-value collaborations that translate research into outcomes. You will draw on your extensive experience and networks in health and biomedical innovation to:

• Advise and support researchers in identifying and progressing collaborative research initiatives aligned with translational outcomes.
• Engage and co-develop opportunities with partners across medical technology, digital health, biotech, pharmaceutical, and health services sectors.
• Champion RMIT’s research capability to external stakeholders, support partner engagement on major research initiatives, drive and deliver commercial engagement, and develop long-term strategic alliances.
• Strengthen collaboration between the STEM College’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences and other disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary research to tackle complex health and innovation challenges.

This role demands a confident connector, strategic thinker, and proven partnership-builder—someone who understands both the business of research and the innovation priorities of industry.

About You

You bring a strong background in research partnerships, business development, or innovation management, with deep networks and experience in the health, biomedical, or life sciences domains. You will also demonstrate:

• Experience in research engagement, business development and partnership management, across relevant industry sectors.
• Proven commercial acumen and negotiation skills and a track record of building and maintaining productive research partnerships.
• Familiarity with research funding landscape, partnership contracting considerations and translational pathways.
• A strategic mindset and a proactive and collaborative approach to working across teams and disciplines.
• Well established networks across corporate, government and research innovation ecosystem both locally and globally.
• Exceptional influencing skills and the ability to bring complex research ideas to life through effective partnership development.
• A results-driven approach with strong time management and the ability to prioritise competing demands in a complex environment.
• Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder environments, and you thrive in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the Portfolio

RMIT’s Research and Innovation Portfolio (R&I) supports researchers to help shape the world. The portfolio has an engaged, energetic, talented and collaborative team focused on enabling excellent research and innovation outcomes. With a global presence, community and industry connections, we support cutting-edge research and careers that make a positive impact on communities.

The Research and Innovation Portfolio supports researchers and graduate researchers with research partnerships, grants and research contracts, funding opportunities, capability development, research training, ethics and integrity, intellectual property, commercialisation, internships, communication and profile.

Find out more about research and innovation at RMIT University and the Research and Innovation Portfolio at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Daniela Amato via email daniela.amato@rmit.edu.au.

Position Description – Manager, Research Partnerships

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.

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Applications Close:

24 June 2025 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.